Product Description

For more than three centuries both Christians and non-Christians, young and old, have been fascinated by the characters and story of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. In this breathtakingly beautiful edition of Bunyan's classic, updated in today's language, the characters are brought to life in color images taking you on a visually stunning journey with Christian as he seeks the Celestial City. When you encounter Evangelist, Hypocrisy, Faithful, and others, you'll better understand life's joys and sorrows on this side of heaven.

Publisher's Description

Edited for ease of reading and accompanied by 30 full-page illustrations, this deluxe edition of John Bunyan's Christian allegory makes the original story come to life. Journey once again with Christian to the Celestial City.

Author Bio

JOHN BUNYAN (16281688) was a Reformed Baptist preacher in the Church of England. He is most famous for his celebrated Pilgrim's Progress, which he penned in prison. Although this classic allegory dominates his legacy, Bunyan was author of nearly sixty other books and tracts, including The Holy War and Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.

C. J. Lovik graduated from Westmont College California with a degree in Education and Communication and taught elementary school in Southern California. After teaching for many years, he started a manufacturing business and developed an online family-friendly Internet search engine. The Pilgrim's Progress: From This World to That Which Is to Come is Lovik's first book.

Mike Wimmer has illustrated many children's books, including most recently Robert Burliegh's One Giant Leap and Stealing Home. His books have received the Spur Award (2003), the NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (1990), and the Redbook Best Book (1990).

The Illustrations really enhance the reading experience; the language is slightly abridged, so it's easy to read, but it doesn't take away from the original doctrinal statements and intent of Bunyan. The print is large, the quality is good; I only wish they had included "Part 2."

I love the scripture reference footnotes are awesome, helpful, and show you the depth of integrity and accuracy in Bunyan's writing.

"Pilgrim's Progress" is a book I knew I needed to read. When I decided to purchase a copy, I was a little taken aback by the many, many differant copies/versions/editions. I decided eventually on this particular edition, and I am so happy I did. I have learned so much from reading this classic. If you're considering purchasing the Pilgrims Progress, trust that this is an excellent version to purchase.

I compared this edition side by side with the original and I was pleased with the changes the editor makes. It is like comparing the KJV of the Bible with the ESV translation. Changes have been made, but they have sought to be as literal as they could while making it more readable. They did not make changes which were extremely modern or use any type of slang language. There were many little changes that other editions have made which I was surprised by when I compared them. Several didn't even introduce the story as a dream that John Bunyan had. Others did things like use Christiana's name in the beginning of the story. In the original, her name isn't mentioned until Part 2.

This edition would be very readable for a middle or high schooler on their own or for parents reading with their 8/9-13 year olds. Every few pages, there is a beautiful illustration. These illustrations were actual paintings that were created for this edition. One thing to note, though, is that this edition is only Part 1 of the original Pilgrim's Progress. Comparing this book to the original has really made me examine what I think about reading the classics. I won't discount modern editions of classics as quickly as I have at times. I actually found this edition so much easier to read and understand. The formatting makes it easier to keep one's place. I also liked that the Bible verses which the story illustrates are footnoted on each page, rather than included in each sentence.

This book stays close to the original language and story, which I value. The illustrations are beautiful and I enjoy them. I highly recommend it because of the color illustrations, text, and formatting.

Please also note that I did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review from Crossway Publishing.